Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Michigan
Spartan Hockey Blanks Top-Ranked Michigan
11/15/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 4, 2000
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - So much for the intimidation factor.
Goaltender Ryan Miller (East Lansing, Mich.), in his first career start in Yost Ice Arena, made 31 saves as Michigan State (5-1-1 overall, 4-1-0 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) stunned top-ranked Michigan (6-1-2, 4-1-0), 1-0, in front of a boisterous, standing-room only crowd of 6,521. The win is the first for the Spartans in Ann Arbor since Oct. 25, 1997.
"When we needed the big save, Ryan was there," said MSU senior captain Rustyn Dolyny (Fort Frances, Ont.). "But our defense played well tonight, too. They had some good opportunities but we did a good job getting into lanes and didn't give up too many odd-man rushes."
Dolyny scored the game's only goal with three minutes remaining in the first period. With Michigan's Andy Burnes in the penalty box serving a two-minute minor for holding, Dolyny blasted a shot from the near point over the right shoulder of Wolverines' goaltender Josh Blackburn into the upper right corner of the net. The goal, Dolyny's fourth of the year, extended the Spartan captain's scoring streak to four games while defenseman John-Michael Liles (Zionsville, Ind.), who assisted on the marker, saw his point streak run to five straight contests.
The Spartans were 1-6 on the power play tonight. Michigan was scoreless in four man-advantage opportunities.
"I didn't expect to score a high percentage on the power play because Michigan is such a great penalty-killing team," said MSU coach Ron Mason. "But many times, one power-play goal will decide the game."
MSU opens a four-game home stand next week as the Spartans welcome Northern Michigan to Munn Ice Arena for a two-game CCHA series Nov. 9-10.
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